Find out how to study abroad in Estonia with their top yet very affordable universities. I have reviewed cost of living, tuition fees for international students, intake periods, admission requirements etc.
Why Study in Estonia?
- Over 100 quality degree programs are taught fully in English
- Internationally accepted diplomas
- Several state scholarships and funding assistance for incoming students
- English language widely spoken
- High level research projects
- Active and fun student life
- Students are allowed to do part-time jobs during studies and also liable to stay in the country for six months to seek for employment opportunities after graduation
- There are many personal touch like small group sizes in classrooms
- Higher money value and affordable cost of living
- Safe and stable environment
Tuition Fees in Estonia for International Students
Universities in Estonia charge extremely low tuition fees for all students including international students. For both Bachelors and Masters programs, the average tuition fee is 1660 Euros per academic year while medical students pay higher than others. In some cases, students are exempted from paying tuition fees depending on their financial condition or academic performance. We advise that you contact your university in Estonia to find out if you are qualified for a tuition fee exemption.
Cost of Living
The costs of living in Estonia are affordable and lower than in most other European countries. Majority of foreigners who have spent some time here opined that living conditions are similar to those in Western Europe. Cost of living in Estonia usually depend upon the student’s accommodation choices, lifestyle, and spending patterns.
Currency: the euro (EUR, €)
Monthly living costs: €300–€500, depending on the student`s choices
Accommodation
Student accommodation prices in Estonia start from €100 per month in student dormitories. Some student dormitories are either single, double and triple rooms in some universities.
Housing costs largely depend on the place it is located and flat size. These prices ranges from about €100 for a place in a double room in the residence hall to €180–€450 or more for a private flat.
Food
Students can usually enjoy a comfortable life with around €200–250 per month for food. Each student can decide food expenses depending on their individual needs. Every university also has its own cafeteria(s), and they sell at reasonable prices.
Transport
Public transport is available for all students and is free of charge in Tallinn (mainly for residents of Tallinn, and including international students studying in Tallinn). Local public transport in Tartu cost like €8.63 with a monthly ticket (viable with student card), single ticket for a student for €0.51 (€1 on the bus). Most universities have everything available for students (supermarkets, cafes, shops, pharmacy, etc.) and are located within a short walking distance.
Taxi (depending on company): average starting fee from €1.9, based on distance.
Bus ticket from the campus to Tartu cost €8.10–€10.50.
Admission Requirements
Any one applying for an undergraduate program should be have a valid school leaving certificate that qualifies you for higher education studies in your country. This will also qualify you for studies in Estonia. For Masters, a good bachelor’s degree certificate is usually required, and for PhD, a good Master’s degree result. Student can choose to study in English or Estonia.
The general admissions requirements for study in Estonia are that applicants should have qualification giving access to university studies in their home country. Additional qualifying examinations may also be required depending on the program and institution
Estonian Language
If you are studying an English program, then learning Estonian, the native language of Estonia, is not mandatory. But it is highly recommended to take Estonian language classes (various universities offer an Estonian class as an elective subject part of your studies) so you can better integrate with other students and take part in more activities.
Language Requirement
All applicants that wish to apply to Estonian universities’ degree programs are required to have a qualification giving access to university studies in their home country. Applicants also need to present a certificate of their English proficiency. All internationally recognized language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, are acceptable, though some institutions may run personal language tests. Usually, the required minimum test score for BA and MA is 5 score 5 score in IELTS and 70 in TOEFL (IBT). Please check the specific English language requirements on university`s admission website, as requirements differs for each university. Depending on the institution and programme, there will likely be some entrance tests like interview, written essay, portfolio etc.
Intake Periods
Admission deadlines for applying to study English taught degree program in Estonia are different from universities to universities. IMPORTANT: please visit the institution’s website or contact the admission officer to confirm admission deadlines.
Each university and some programs have a different application deadline. Deadlines are most times different for residents of some countries like EU member states, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Ukraine and third country nationals. Most application deadlines are between the months of April and August, though with some minor exceptions.
How to study free in Estonia
Some programs in Estonian Universities are tuition free for full time students only and are completely taught in Estonian language at bachelors, masters and PhD levels. However, if you intend to study in just English language, you will have to pay tuition fees which usually between €1600 to €7000 per session depending on the program. To begin your application, please contact the University of your Choice, select the program of your choice, fill the online application forms and send your application in time so that you can secure a place in the university.
List of Top and Affordable Universities in Estonia
- University of Tartu
- University of Nord
- Tallinn University
- International University Estonia
- Estonian Business School
- Estonian Academy of Arts
- Tallinn Institute of Technology
